1) Lift First Retention Bar
Like the LGA1155 socket, the LGA2011 one will be protected by a plastic plate you'll need to remove before proceeding. Unlike the LGA1155 socket, however, the LGA2011 socket has two retention bars (rather than just one) keeping the oversized socket cover down. Luckily, you don't need to guess about how to deal with thisin most cases, instructions about which bar to lift first are printed right on the cover itself. So follow those directions, and lift the appropriate bar out and up.

2) Lift Second Retention Bar
Repeat the process with the second retention bar. It works just the same as the first one.

3) Insert the Processor
As with LGA1155 processors, getting the processor into the socket the right way is simply a matter of lining up triangles: one on the CPU and one on the socket (or the socket cover, depending on your motherboard). Once you've done that, place the processor into the socket, making sure it's positioned evenly before going on.

4) Close the Second Retention Bar
With the processor in place, you need to close the socket again. You accomplish this by closing the two bars in the order opposite that in which you opened them. (This is usually explained in the instructions on the socket cover, too.) So push down the second bar you opened and hook it under the side of the socket to lock it in place.

5) Close the First Retention Bar
Push down the first retention bar you opened and hook it under the side of the socket, too. The socket should now be closed and the CPU inside secure. Now you just need to apply thermal compound (if necessary) and install your cooler. Note that we can't give you specific instructions here; Sandy BridgeE processors don't come with their own coolers, so you'll have to purchase yours separately, and installation instructions will vary depending on the model you choose. For one example, check out our story, "Build a No-Holds-Barred Gaming PC." Otherwise, you're finished.

Matthew Murray got his humble start leading a technology-sensitive life in elementary school, where he struggled to satisfy his ravenous hunger for computers, computer games, and writing book reports in Integer BASIC. He earned his B.A. in Dramatic Writing at Western Washington University, where he also minored in Web design and German. He has been building computers for himself and others for more than 20 years, and he spent several years working in IT and helpdesk capacities before escaping into the far more exciting world...
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